Let's Get Real with Postnatal Depression with Josie Smyth

Let's Get Real with Postnatal Depression with Josie Smyth 

It is such a joyous occasion when you first get to bring your baby home. You start to experience life in a whole new way with this little person by your side and it is such a special time. But it can also be extremely overwhelming. You may experience emotions such as anxiety and depression that may not previously have been present for you and this is the topic we are diving into today. 

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of chatting to Josie Smyth. She is a Melbourne mother of two and has experienced postnatal depression twice. After recovering, Josie founded Smiling after PAND which exists to raise awareness around postnatal depression. Josie is committed to encouraging high level education around PAND, to break the stigma or shame around such difficult feelings, and to support our loved ones through these challenging times. 

We discuss the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression, how to seek treatment and what you can do to support someone you know who is going through a hard time. It was also great to chat about the things that might not be helpful or to avoid for those suffering from postnatal depression. 

Please be advised that this episode comes with a trigger warning as we do discuss quite significant mental health challenges. If this is triggering for you, please reach out to the resources we have included below. 

 

Listen On:

Links:

Josie’s Website: https://smilingafterpnd.com/

Free Online Class: https://www.fitnestmama.com/free

5 Days, 5 Ways to Prepare for Birth: www.fitnestmama.com/challenge

Website: https://www.fitnestmama.com/

Instagram: @fitnestmama

References:

PANDA: https://www.panda.org.au/

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Some Topics That We Cover:

[5:12] What is Smiling after PND? Josie's experience with post natal depression.
[6:37] Smiling after PND Facebook group.
[7:00] What are signs and symptoms of postnatal depression?

[8:04] When Josie realised she had postnatal depression.
[9:30] How Josie felt once she started receiving treatment for PND and Josie's experience with anxiety.
[11:20] Statistics around postnatal depression and anxiety, and benefits of accessing treatment early.

[14:20] Volunteering with PANDA.
[14:50] What was helpful for Josie during this period with PND, and what was less helpful.  
[17:40] How can PANDA help?

[22:50] Impact of COVID.